2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Boston, MA vs Palm Desert, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Palm Desert or is it cheaper to live in Boston?
- Palm Desert is 13.0% less expensive than Boston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Palm Desert or Boston?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 31.5% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Boston or is Health Care more affordable in Palm Desert.
- Health related expenses are 2.7% less in Palm Desert.
 Boston, MAPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing228.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$539,000$338,100
 Utilities117  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.8100
 Miscellaneous157.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

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I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

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I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

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Reviews for Palm Desert    14 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Palm Desert, CA is full of rude people. One woman in a long sleeved pink shirt is being extremely rude and mocking people for no reason at a neighborhood Walmart in Palm  More

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Palm Desert is clean, upscale and beautiful. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains bright blue sky and green expanses of golf course fairways, swimming pools and  More

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I made the mistake of moving here after a short vacation to be closer to family. Biggest mistake of my life! This is not the place to live if health is important to you.  More

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